Dix Mountain Wilderness Area reopened

September 13, 2011

The state Department of Environmental Conservation closed the popular hiking areas of the eastern High Peaks and Giant Mountain and Dix Mountain wilderness areas after Tropical Storm Irene damaged trails and bridges Aug. 28. The areas were closed during Labor Day weekend, a popular time to visit the region.

The eastern High Peaks and Giant Mountain Wilderness Area were reopened last week, and the Dix Mountain Wilderness Area, which is south of the hamlet of St. Hubert's in the town of Keene, reopened Monday, according to the DEC.

The Dix Mountain Wilderness Area is accessed from state Route 73, which was closed between Keene Valley and Adirondack Northway (I-87) Exit 30 for more than two weeks and reopened Monday. All trailheads along Route 73 are now open, with the exception of the main Adirondack Mountain Reserve trailhead at the AuSable Club, according to the DEC's website.

DEC staff plans this week to clear blowdown from the the loop trail to Bear Den Mountain, Dial Mountain and Nippletop, and to assess the trails from Adirondack Mountain Reserve that access the Great Range trail.